The Absolute Pleasure of Tim Curry

The early 1980s saw a brisk night in downtown Boston, where the author was out with a group including a young woman from college. After dinner, the group decided to see a midnight movie, leading them to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. As they walked to the theater, they spotted a crowd lined up around the corner, many dressed as their favorite characters from the film.

The movie featured Tim Curry in the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a character known for his bizarrely glorious performance and catchy song about being a "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania."

Curry's pure, perverse joy on-screen was a welcome escape for the author, who would go on to see the movie many more times. The English actor, who died at 80, had a loyal following due to his charisma and outrageous performances without being self-conscious. Curry's magic lay in being outrageous while maintaining a sincere approach to his roles.

After Rocky Horror, Curry's fans explored his other works, such as his 1985 performance as a demon in Legend and his role as Pennywise the Clown in Stephen King's It. Other movies showcased his campy yet restrained mania, such as his portrayal of the butler in Clue or the nasty smarm of the concierge in Home Alone 2. Curry's versatility was evident in his role as a Soviet naval officer in The Hunt for Red October, where he played the clueless Dr. Petrov, unaware that his captain intends to defect to the West.

Curry's ability to embody a wide range of characters, from decadent cross-dressers to exuberant Muppets and Russian villains, made him a favorite among audiences. His distinctive voice and knack for accents allowed him to excel in various roles, including video games. Despite his introverted nature off-screen, Curry connected with fans through his genuine love for entertaining them.

His performances often brought a sense of Shakespearian seriousness to even the most ridiculous lines, making each character feel authentic and memorable.